Enjoyed this latest entry in the Chicago Rebels series! Every story flirts a bit with the professional ethics line of player/management interaction, but always with full consent on the part of both parties. Here it's a gay GM who is approached by one of his sinfully sexy, but still in the closet, players. Plenty of super sexy times while they work out whether being together publicly is worth the risk to their careers and emotional wellbeing. Kate Meader has the goods when it comes to crafting emotional and sexy romances, no matter the gender of the characters.

ndone by You is the 3rd book in the Chicago Rebels series and the first M/M in that series. Although you could read this as a stand alone some of the plot is a carry over from the first two books so I think you'd get more enjoyment if you read the first two.

I really liked the earlier books in this series but I LOVED this one! Dante is the general manager of the Chicago Rebels hockey team and he is openly gay. He has worked very hard to be respected as a gay man in professional sports and he's concentrating on his career. He's had his heart broken before and he's not looking to get involved but he is attracted to Cade, one of the hockey players on his team and when Cade propositions him he's shocked (since he and everyone else believes Cade to be straight) but he's also tempted.

Cade hasn't come out but he knows what he wants and he wants Dante. Cade is sexy, and funny and normally an easy going guy but he's determined to be with Dante. Dante isn't sure he wants to be with Cade, not only is he in the closet but it's also frowned on for him to be in a relationship with one of his players. Cade isn't going to take no for an answer though and the two begin a wonderful push/pull attraction with lots of humor and great banter.

I really loved both Cade and Dante. Cade was easy going but he also never stepped back from pursuing Dante. While Dante was a bit more hesitant I still really loved him. Both are Alpha males but very different and they really balanced each other as well. I enjoyed everything about this book but especially Cade's coming out and the way the rest of his team handled it.

Dante and Cade had a very hot, slow burn relationship with a great connection and witty banter. I highly recommend this book!

Kate Meader created such a wonderful story in Undone By You! I loved getting Dante and Cade’s story! Somehow I knew when Meader gave us a hint of them being more in So Over You that these two men would be oh so hot; and I was oh so not wrong!! The sexy Italian and the sexy Texan collide in this irresistible novella. It was hella hot and so sweet at times. I was definitely cheering for them as a couple as much as I was the hockey. There’s something about strong powerful guys showing they can vulnerable that gets me every time. Absolutely could not put this one down!

Undone by You is book three in Kate Meader’s Chicago Rebels series. I’ve been anticipating this read for a while, and I really enjoyed it!

Cade Burnett, Defenseman for the Chicago Rebels, has had a crush on previous hockey player, Dante Moretti, since he was a kid. When Dante came out, it gave Cade hope that he could, too, one day. Finding out that Dante is the GM for Cade’s own hockey team is like a dream come true and a curse at the same time. But Cade’s ready to make his move.

I adored these two guys. Cade’s known as the goofball of his hockey team, but underneath he has been hiding who he is. Seeing Dante day in and day out has Cade reconsidering. He makes a play for the out-and-proud Dante, but Dante isn’t willing to be a relationship with a closeted athlete again.

There’s so much dividing these two, but the attraction just sizzles. I love how Cade knows when to push and when to pull back. This guy is fearless, and I just admired the heck out of him. Dante is the suave, older Italian. He’s attracted to Cade, but Cade’s his employee and the forbidden fruit just out of his reach really pushes his buttons.

Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. The connection is on point, and it drags you straight through the end and even then, I wanted their story to continue. A great addition to the series, and I can’t wait for Bren and Violet’s story!

4.5 stars!

I don't tend to read M/M romances but always make an exception for Kate Meader's wonderful novellas.

I enjoyed this one, especially the grand gesture that Dante makes, but Gage/Brady are still my favourite M/M pairing and I loved the little mention of them. Additional points for some good old Fleetwood Mac referencing - I can't wait for Violet's story.

I always get nervous to start a m/m story because, while I have always really liked them, I worry that my love of them puts me in a weird category of ogler. I never want to read a story that makes me feel like I’m just trying to fulfill some sort of fetish. I read romance for the romantic side of it, not exclusively for the sexiness of it.

Which leads me to why I truly loved this book. I would normally call this a sexy story but it felt WAY more than JUST sexy. There was a raw intimacy between Cade and Dante that I could actually FEEL when they were together. Were the sex scenes scorching, absolutely, but they were so much more than that. It honestly felt like I was witnessing the most sensual moments that two people could possibly share and I felt Dante and Cade’s connection...everywhere.

It’s quite obvious that I have a great affection for everything that Kate Meader writes so it seems redundant to repeat myself here but, for those of you who haven’t picked up a story from her, please do. I swear you won’t regret it.

Five chest-aching/lump-in-my-throat stars.

So, that was gut-wrenching in the best possible way. I was curled up in a ball crying for Cade and Dante and how awesome they both are. I don't read a lot of MM romances outside of a menage relationship and only by a couple of authors I trust. Kate Meader is one of them and that trust is upheld with Undone By You.

I shouldn't be able to relate, but I did. The story-telling is intimate. Kate grabs you from the first scene and involves you with Dante and Cade's fall into love. I liked that Cade made the first move. I adored that they take care of each other. I ached for Dante's estrangement from his family, that's why I loved that he made sure it doesn't happen to Cade. This story feels so real to me. As if it truly happened. As if I saw Dante come to San Antonio.

The sex scenes are hot as per usual with Kate's books, but what really got me loving this novella is the genuine emotion between the main characters and the support from family, teammates, and friends. I enjoyed revisiting the scenes already mentioned in the previous books and the cameos of familiar characters, especially Violet and Bren.

Undone By You is considered a novella, but it is substantial and complete. I am both anticipating and dreading the end of this series. The Chicago Rebels have engaged and enthralled me. I'll gladly recommend them to every romance reader.

Note: I requested this book from NetGalley and they gave me the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Gushing is not required, but I give it willingly.

It’s no mean feat being an openly gay general manager in a sport like ice hockey, but Dante Moretti isn’t about to let that impede on finally achieving his dream. That said he isn’t about to rock the boat either, so his crush on defenseman Cade Burnett is one his needs to bury, stat.

Cade on the other hand has no problems in letting Dante know he is interested. More than physical attraction he is impressed by his achievements and feels he can learn a lot from Dante.

There’s more to this story than a taboo boss/employer storyline. The friendship and family dynamic really adds meat to this novella, and the steam was balanced with heartfelt substance that I was a big fan off.

As a first time reader of Kate Meader it’s easy to see why this series is popular with other readers. I can easily see myself jumping into her backlist and acquainting myself with the rest of her Rebel rabble.

Hockey with a hot Texan and gorgeous Italian!

Hockey star Cade “Alamo” Burnett is firmly in the closet until he purposely runs into Dante Moretti, the new general manager of the Chicago Rebels at an exclusive gay club and because he wanted Dante to know his interest. Dante had come out of the closet after he retired from hockey and worked his way up in hockey management until he was hired to be the new general manager for the Rebels. Cade isn’t ready to come out of the closet but Dante has already had a relationship with a closeted athlete and he didn’t intend to do it again. When Cade made a decision about everything he was all in.

Cade and Dante are a very interesting couple because they are so very different personalities and the author made it work with a lot of give and take. I was lucky enough to read So Over You and then Undone By You close together which made an extended Chicago Rebel experience with Hooked On You coming soon!

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm crying I love Dante and Cade so much-

I was a bit bummed that we didn't immediately get Bren and Vi after Vadim and Iz, but I didn't mind it as much when I started reading because I immediately fell in love with Dante and Cade. I love that both of them were crushing on each other (Cade a little longer because he has been hero-worshipping Dante since Dante's days of playing in the NHL), and I love the whole seduction game they played with each other. I'm weak for characters who seduced each other with good food. As much as I love the sexytimes, I adored the scenes we got of Dante and Cade being domestic even more. I just love the intimacy between them.

The story also gave us the BTS of Cade trying to come out (he came out at the end of Book 2) and it was super emotional. I love seeing everyone rally around and support him.

Overall, there is so much more I want to say about this book but I'm not emotionally stable to express them. So, SO much excited for Bren and Vi's book now!

This is actually a 3 1/2 stars. I love Kate Meader, I think her novels are sexy, exciting to read, and have always loved her characters. The reason I couldn’t give more than 3 1/2 stars is because I wasn’t able to relate about the romance between Dante and Cade. I can understand the love between them, I just couldn’t feel the thrill I normally have when I read her books.
Dante Moretti is lucky to have such a great job as the GM for the Chicago Rebels. He’s overcome the ridicule and gossip from his family, but at the same time, the acceptance from colleagues. He’s the first GM in hockey to come out as a gay man. Now if he could only stop thinking about one of his players, Cade Burnett, now that he’s found out he is also gay.
Cade has been a closet gay all his life. When you are a player in a hockey team, no one expects you to be a gay man. Cade wants to tell Dante, and hopefully date him.
As their relationship gets hotter off the ice, will they be able to risk their careers by coming out.

Kate Meader packs a whole lot of steamy M/M hotness on the pages of this book all while giving us one incredible story. These characters are fascinating and the issues they face are difficult. The journey Cade and Dante take is not one you want to miss!

Coming out as the first openly gay player in the NHL is hard. Not nearly as difficult as facing a father with the truth of who is he. Yet Cade Burnett knows if he hopes to win the love of a good man like Dante Moretti he has to be brave enough to do both. Is he willing to risk it all and if he does will Dante be brave enough to take that step with him?

I highly recommend this one.

This is an entertaining addition to the Chicago Rebels series. Dante is the team’s General Manager and continues the tradition of falling in love with one of his players. Unfortunately for him, his love interest Cade has not openly admitted his sexuality.
It was interesting to watch Dante and Cade navigate the multiple layers of secrecy that their relationship required and come out (pun intended) with a happy ending.
One of the things that I appreciated about Undone by You was the fact that Ms Meader captured what could be a very complex emotional situation and made it relatable. I also appreciated that she made the issue of Cade being out separate from the relationship conflict with Dante.
Both Dante and Cade are easy characters to like and root for. This happens in parallel to Isobel’s story, so if you haven’t read her book there are some potential spoilers. While this is part of a series, it can be read on its own. The back story contained in Harper and Isobel’s books isn’t really needed to understand what Dante and Cade are dealing with.
Reading this has me looking forward (even more) to seeing what Ms Meader has in store for the youngest Chase sister- Violet.

This is my first M/M and I must admit that I wasn’t sure about reading this one, but I love Kate Meader’s style, and she once again pulled me in and just made this so entertaining, sexy, and oh so sweet. Another one of her stories that left me with a smile on my face and my heart happy.
I enjoyed Cade and Dante so much. I loved their flirting and the build of heat they had as they get to know each other, in a totally romantic way. I like how they were so cautious, but open with each other. Cade was so sweet and hot for Dante and had been for such a long time that he just doesn’t give up and is relentless with his pursuit of the reserved General Manager. There is some emotionally charged moments that are handled so well in this book that it made this so easy to enjoy and love every moment in this book.
I also enjoy getting an update on all their friends and the tie-ins from previous books. Love this series! Can’t wait for more of those sexy, hot and sweet Chicago Rebels.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 out of 5 Stars!!

Beautiful. Romantic. Emotional.

Those are the three words to sum up sophisticated, openly gay NHL general manager Dante and good-ole boy, star hockey defenseman Cade’s romance. In my opinion, Kate Meader is one of the most underrated contemporary romance authors currently. Her mad romance chops were apparent in this novella. Honestly, in a few hundred pages Meader addresses multiple large relationship hurdles Dante and Cade have to overcome before they can live their HEA including: a large age gap, disproportionate experience levels, boss and employee, and most importantly, out and closeted. Meader artfully navigates these tough issues while crafting a beautiful and concise love story. I stand in awe of her mastery. All of these hurdles aren’t cleared cleanly by our intrepid heroes, but the attraction and respect Dante and Cade have for each other is always apparent.

Side Note: Every time Dante traced Cade’s cheekbone I melted more than a little bit. I don’t get to say this about many books but this novel is the perfect mix of sexy-times steamy and heart-aching romance.

Many people were excited to get Dante’s story because of his role in previous books and he didn’t disappoint… but Cade stole the show for me. He was an endearing mix of earnest determination and cocky sports god. His devotion and appreciation for everything Dante (including his flaws) made him irresistible.

This book fits into a few categories that might detract readers (m/m and hockey romance). If you have never dipped your toe in the m/m romance pool, Meader is a great place to start. Her first m/m novella Melting Point was one of the first I read and it was a wonderful introduction. Hockey is a backdrop that adds to the complications of coming out as a professional athlete but is by no means the primary focus on the story. Don’t those points keep you from this sigh-worthy romance.

I call books like this hug-your-Kindle reads because I am so delighted at the end of the story I just need to stare into space and hug my Kindle for a while. Highly recommend.

Oh. My. Gosh. This book!

It was a bit of a slow starter for me and, honestly - M/M books are hit or miss for me these days. I wasn't sure I was going to connect with it and it took me a little bit to warm up to it, despite the fact that I was desperate to know what was going on with Dante and Cade after the tease we got in So Over You. And then, out of seemingly nowhere this book had me - hook, line and sinker.

I loved these two together. They're intense and fiery, dead sexy and unexpectedly tender. They frustrated me sometimes, but in the end I felt like their story was perfect for them. The characters showed so much growth and as their story unfolded my heart warmed in a way that I was completely not expecting. There were tears! And so many loopy happy smiles.

I am completely smitten with these Chicago Rebels. My heart has claimed every last one of them and even as I sit here completely blissed out on the ending of Undone By You, I am hungry for so much more of these wonderful characters and this amazing team. ~ 4.5 Stars

Undone By You written by Kate Meader is a well written story that I am sure you will enjoy. This book is from the Chicago Rebels series and will not disappoint you. It is a m/m romance between Dante and Cade and is full of intensity, lots of emotions, and incredibly heat. These two guys are meant for each other with their chemistry and intensity. If male/male relationships don’t bother you, then you will enjoy this story.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

4.5 Stars

Kate Meader has this incredible ability to write characters who burrow themselves into your heart. From the moment Cade Burnett and Dante Moretti appeared on the page, I knew they were special.

Dante is a former NHL defenseman known as The Beast. He’s also the first openly gay GM of a professional hockey team. He’s polished, refined, carries himself with confidence, and rocks a three-piece suite like no one else can. Cade “Alamo” Burnett seems to have it all. He’s funny, outgoing, and the life of the party. He’s an up and coming defenseman for the Chicago Rebels. He’s even rumored to be dating one of the owners of the team. But Cade isn’t living his life to the fullest. He’s gay and only his best friend Violet knows.

Dante and Cade each bring something different to their off limits office romance. They have this amazing chemistry and passion. While Dante is a bit older than Cade, he understands all of Cade’s struggles and truly wants what’s best for him. I loved watching Dante relax and lose control with Cade. While Cade likes to exude confidence, there’s still this vulnerable side to him that makes him even more endearing. These two are truly great for one another.

Undone by You is a standalone novella in the Chicago Rebels series. What really stands out for me about this series and this group of characters is that through everything, the players and owners truly have each other’s backs. They’re a family created by blood, trades, drafts, and choice.

Fulfillment. Empowerment. Acceptance. Home. My favorite trait of author Kate Meader is that she tells it like it is. She's not afraid to take readers outside of their comfort zone with her unpredictable characters and witty dialogue. Undone by You sums up many subjects in a four letter word. LOVE. Being different is not a crime, what's criminal is not being true to the heart that beats inside us all. It was a long road but Dante and Cade finally found their way home.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything in Between

The Good.
I’ve enjoyed the Chicago Rebels series, and Dante and Cade have been that teaser couple - you know, the one whose scenes aren’t the focal point of the story but capture your attention because you just want to know what’s happening off-page with them. I enjoyed how Ms. Meader has taken their love story and wove it into the overarching storyline of the sisters’ ownership of the team and their quest to win the Cup.

The Bad.
This suffers from two things. One, the novella’ s truncated length made certain beats of their love story pass by a little too quickly and the conflict/resolution is taken care of alot more easily than I would have preferred. Secondly, Dante’s unilateral decision-making, while in keeping with his personality, age and status in the relationship, was too convenient at the best of times and callously disrespectful of Cade’s feelings for most of it. While he said Cade had the power, Dante is the one to make all the decisions: when it started, how it went along, and when it ended. Even if there’s a grand gesture, it never actually deals with the power imbalance between Dante and Cade. It’s something that’s been pushed aside throughout this series in favor of the fantasy of falling for your boss, which I can usually roll with, but it is particularly glaring in this book.

Everything in Between.
While I struggled with the emotional beats, the sexy times were just fine. You know, if you’re into two incredibly fit men (one of which is a little furry and the other’s very sweet) having sex, then you’ll dig it.

The Bottom Line
I liked it, though I wanted to love it. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the earlier books in the series, and I am very much looking forward to the next one. If you love m/m, hockey romances, and you’ve read the series, you may enjoy this.


**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**